Acute Occupational Therapist

New Zealand Government Joba; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Lakes in Tauranga is seeking an Acute Occupational Therapist to join the Medical Service at Tauranga Hospital. This permanent part-time role (0.8 FTE) focuses on acute assessment, treatment and discharge planning in the Emergency Department and Admission Planning Unit.

You will work closely with the Medical Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and Team Leader to support patients transitioning home, regaining independence, and collaborating in a transdisciplinary

Qualifications

• Current registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and Annual Practising Certificate.
• Clinical experience in hospital and/or rehabilitation settings.
• Sound understanding of interprofessional practice in acute care and community transitions.
• A genuine commitment to health equity and service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide acute occupational therapy assessment, treatment and discharge planning in ED and Admission Planning Unit.
• Support patients transitioning home and regaining independence with a transdisciplinary team.
• Collaborate with the Medical Clinical Lead OT and Team Leader to optimise care.

Skills

Clinical experience

Acute care

Interprofessional collaboration

Discharge planning

Health equity

Job description

# Acute Occupational Therapist at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes, Bay of Plenty## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* **Work where others holiday enjoy the beaches, bustling cafes, and vibrant coastal lifestyle in Tauranga*** **Part time position 0.8 FTE with negotiable days Monday-Saturday*** **Supportive team culture with opportunities to build your transdisciplinary toolkit**Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.**About the Role**Step into a dynamic Allied Health environment as an Acute Occupational Therapist and be part of a dedicated team making a tangible difference for people recovering from complex medical events. This permanent part-time role sits within the Medical Service at Tauranga Hospital focussing on the Emergency Department and Admission Planning Unit with a strong focus on acute assessment, treatment and discharge planning.You will work closely with the Medical Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and Team Leader to support patients transitioning home and regaining their independence. With access to a variety of clinical presentations, including traumatic brain injuries, fractures, amputations, strokes, and frailty your mahi will help shape better health outcomes for older people across the Bay of Plenty.**About the Team/Service/Location**Our amazing Allied Health rehabilitation service is known for its collaborative, coaching-based approach and genuine commitment to equity and manaakitanga. The multidisciplinary team works closely across hospital and community interfaces, aligning with the All-One-Team values that define our mahi. Based in Tauranga, you will enjoy a stunning coastal lifestyle and an energetic workplace culture where your contribution is valued.****Click here**** **to learn more about the Bay of Plenty****About You**You are a capable and collaborative Occupational Therapist who thrives in a fast-paced clinical setting. With a strong foundation in acute care, you are confident supporting patients through rehabilitation and discharge planning. You bring compassion, critical thinking, and a drive to improve care for older people.****What you will bring:***** Current registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and Annual Practicing Certificate* Clinical experience in hospital and/or rehabilitation settings* Sound understanding of interprofessional practice in acute care and community transitions* Proven ability to work collaboratively in a transdisciplinary environment* A genuine commitment to health equity and service improvement**To view the Position Description please** ****click here******Working for Health New Zealand**Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.**How to Apply**To apply for the role please click **apply now.** All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on **1 November 2026**. If you have any questions about the role, please contact [e-mail]**Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.**## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes || Location: | Bay of Plenty || Position type: | Permanent Part time || Category: | Health || Date listed: | 30-Sep-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 01-Nov-2026 || Reference: | TAU02872 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | http://www.lakesdhb.govt.nz |